This is a blog for those who are looking for new ideas and ways to save money, stretch their dollars, and be good stewards of what God has given us. Frugality abounds here!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Common Courtesy

I have been noticing lately that there seems to be lacking basic manners and common courtesies amongst the public. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I am currently 9 months pregnant. Or maybe it's because we are just finishing up with a busy holiday season, which can bring stress on for many people. It just seems like the last few times I have ventured out into the public, I have run across rudeness in many different forms. Maybe it was the rude lady at Sam's Club today, who curtly said, "Excuse me!" and shoved past my very pregnant form, that was the last straw for me. So, since I have a blog, I decided that I was going to vent out loud about the recent rashes of rudeness I have experienced, in hopes of inspiring others to think twice about how they respond to and interact with others, and perhaps show a little bit of kindness, even when they don't feel like it.

Don't get me wrong, most people are polite and pleasant when I go out in public places. It's usually only a handful of people that have issues. It used to be common place for others to hold open a door or offer a seat to the elderly, disabled, pregnant, or the mama with her hands full. Not so much anymore. And if someone does hold a door open, how many of those being served by this kindness remember to say thank you for the good deed? Or how about the crowded parking lot scenario? Someone has been patiently waiting for a parking spot, complete with a blinker indication that they are planning on parking there, only to have another car speed up and take the spot real fast, regardless of the fact that someone else was obviously waiting to park there. That happened to me (yet again) this last week. Or how about people swearing in public places and talking about inappropriate subjects when small children are close by? BIG pet peeve, I tell you!

I know that I don't have to let these acts of rudeness get to me, and I am in charge of choosing how I handle and react to it. Often times, if someone flips me the bird in traffic, I smile and wave. I try to choose to be positive and friendly back to those who act unbecomingly. Most of the time, it is not worth it to confront people on their rudeness, and in this day and age, discernment must be used in doing so. And sometimes, reacting kindly is not what people expect, and hopefully it makes a positive impact on those who choose to act like barbarians.

I am encouraging others to please remember your manners, common courtesies, and kindness. Hey, it's a new year, it could even be a resolution! Say please and thank you to those who serve you (restaurants, stores, other businesses, etc.). The poor door clerk at Sam's Club today was visibly frustrated when she asked several customers to see their Club Card, and was repeatedly ignored. She was just trying to do her job, cut the working people who serve you a little slack! Say "excuse me" politely if you are trying to get through a crowded aisle or past someone. Hold the door open for others. The world is a tough enough place as it is. Spread a little bit of goodwill and cheer by being courteous and kind!